Crime Stoppers moves to take guns off streets

Crime Stoppers moves to take guns off streets

SPRINGFIELD -- Crime Stoppers in Sangamon and Menard Counties will focus more on getting guns off the streets.

SPRINGFIELD -- Crime Stoppers in Sangamon and Menard Counties will focus more on getting guns off the streets.

The group announced today an effort to get more information about felons carrying handguns. Matt Goulet is with the Springfield Police Department. He said, the group wants to encourage people to provide Crime Stoppers with that information. He added, the group "will probably range its rewards between two and $500 if we make an arrest."

Last year, Crime Stoppers in Sangamon and Menard Counties paid out more than $13,000 in reward money. It received more than 800 tips in the year that lead to the arrest of more than 100 suspects. Goulet said the program has been successful in making the community safer.

Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. You can call 788-8427 or text Tip672 plus your information and send it to CRIMES. Or log on.

Statewide in 2012, tips to Crime Stoppers solved 1,665 cases and lead to the arrest of 1,091 suspects.